Squash Signs Key Partner For Paris 2024 Push -- Sponsor Spotlight

(ATR) The World Squash Federation (WSF) and Professional Squash Association (PSA) are joining forces with Weber Shandwick in the latest attempt to get the sport into the program for an Olympics Games.

Weber Shandwick, one of the world’s leading global communications and engagement firms, will act as communications campaign partner to support squash’s bid to be included in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

"Becoming a Summer Olympic medal sport has been a long-time dream and goal for the sport of squash," WSF President, Jacques Fontaine said in a statement. "We are engaging in our fourth bid to be included in the Games’ program, with more passion and a clearer vision than ever before. Given Weber Shandwick’s vast Olympic experience and its innovative, forward-looking approach, the agency is the preferred partner to help us make the case for our sport."

Weber Shandwick has more than 20 years of experience in supporting campaigns related to the Olympic Games, including work with successful Olympic bids and Organizing Committees for Los Angeles 2028, Beijing 2022, Tokyo 2020 and Sochi 2014. The firm has also supported federations and clubs, as well as sponsors and host destinations.

The campaign to get squash into Paris 2024 began in earnest in September, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the WSF and PSA.

"The Olympic ambition is a cornerstone of the unified structure that we created with WSF in order to expand squash’s international profile as a sport and grow it at both professional and grass roots levels," PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough said in a statement.

"Weber Shandwick’s appointment will greatly support us in achieving our joint goal and communicating our cohesive vision."

Tokyo 2020 Adds Newspaper Support

The Sankei Shimbun and The Hokkaido Shimbun Press are now Official Supporters for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The agreement is a Tier 3 domestic sponsorship for Tokyo 2020 according to a release from the organizing committee. Tokyo 2020 now has 46 total sponsors for the Games broken down into three tiers. Each publication will comprise the "newspapers," category of Olympic sponsorship.

Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori said the addition of the two sponsors was a "really encouraging," moment, according to a release.

Presidents of both newspaper companies said the sponsorship would help spread enthusiasm for the Games across Japan. Both highlighted successful organizations of the Osaka and Hokkaido marathons as examples of successful sporting events hosted by the newspaper companies.

Written by Gerard Farek and Aaron Bauer

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